Archives for May 24, 2007

'The 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the conviction of the 82-year-old Rigas and his son, Timothy J. Rigas, on charges of securities fraud, conspiracy to commit bank fraud and bank fraud. The court did reverse their conviction on one lesser count.'

‘Is this a guy the Sabres want on their team while they’re trying to keep co-captains Chris Drury and Daniel Briere? Afinogenov is a seductive talent, an electrifying player who puts people in the seats. He also gets them out of their seats when he’s not drawing teammates offside and giving away the puck. And while his 134 points in 133 games in two regular seasons are impressive, his eight goals and 17 points in 33 postseason games over the same span are not. He has 10 goals and 23 points in 49 career playoff games. Remember, his overtime winner against the Rangers came after he was a healthy scratch.’

'Thomas Vanek is worth more than this season's $942,000 salary. Center Derek Roy (career-high 21 goals and 63 points) was a bargain, given his $627,000 salary. Forward Dainius Zubrus will be highly coveted, meaning he should earn more than this year's $1.85 million. Adam Mair and Daniel Paille were key role players making a combined $1.35 million. So let's do the math. That's five forwards capable of making $1 million or more apiece per season, another two worthy of $5 million apiece. Total minimum price, $15 million. Cap room left, less than $4 million.'

'Will the ENTIRE team be back? In a word, no. It's quite likely two or more big contracts will be moved in one way or another, with Ales Kotalik still marketable elsewhere, and replaceable here, as one example.'

'Everyone knew going into these playoffs that Ottawa was coming on strong. They won almost every game late in the season, dispatched their first two playoff opponents with ease and looked like the better team, the hungrier team, against the Buffalo Sabres.'